CARL KINZING AUS NEUWIED IN MAINZ | AN INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL SILVER OPEN-FACED COMPTEUR MILITAIRE WATCH CIRCA 1830

• Movement: gilded full plate, three-arm balance, fusee and chain, large decoratively engraved balance cock • Dial: white enamel, subsidiary dial for time with Arabic numerals, outer compteur militaire scale • signed Carl Kinzing aus Neuwied in Mainz • Case: silver engine turned case and band, numbered 53DI(?)98, gilt cuvette signed Carl Kinzing aus Neuwied in Mainz 

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Time indication and compteur advancing. The plate with some slight marks but overall good condition. CASE: with some light scratches throughout consistent with age and wear. some rubbing to the engine turning to the case back. The marks and numbers to the inside case back clear and defined. DIAL: with light pitting and some scratches. A light hairline eminating from the hour and minute ring at 3. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Carl Kinzing, was likely part of the Kinzing family of German watch and clockmakers from Neuwied in the Rhineland of Germany. Neuwied was a centre for clock and furniture making in the 18th century. Most famous of these was Peter Kinzing (1745-1816)  who together with David Roentgen (1743-1807), supplied musical clocks to important families and Royalty throughout Europe. Watches with special scales designed to be used for measuring marching speeds were used by various different infantries. In France, watches were used by the army to measure the marching speeds of the army's infantry of the Consulat and 1st Empire. Various marching speeds were used, with 75 being the 'cadence normale' or standard marching speed using during parades. The present watch is calibrated to '76' and it is known that, for example, the Prussian Army used 76 paces per minute as one of their standard marching speeds (see: Joachim Mauss, A 'Compteur Militaire' Pocket Watch' Antiquarian Horology, Winter 1987, p.145).